Review of Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007) by John V — 14 Apr 2010

Mr. Bean has become a global representation for the stereotypical, British eccentricity and the release of the inner child: equal parts wonderfully innocent and hideously egocentric. It seems amazing, still, that Bean and Blackadder were both born of the immense talents of Rowan Atkinson, who was once again wheeled out to form an-hour-and-a-half of light entertainment.

Plotwise, 'Mr Bean's Holiday' is surprisingly self-explanatory. A lucky raffle draw sees Bean head for the south of France and his innate abilities for national incidents unleashed upon France. Through foul luck, Bean's intrepid venture to the Mediterranean takes a few detours, including into the Mini of sunny French actress Sabine (Emma de Caunes), and to the Cannes film festival and confrontation with Carson Clay (Wilem Dafoe).

Atmospherically, the film's as sunny as the French riviera presented and delightfully woven soundtrack. Atkinson's brilliance, although slightly tiring now with the character running its course, is again more than enough to keep the score high, if not the humour entirely fresh. Yet Bean himself never misses the beats provided and is aided by a series of strong supporting roles, including specifically Wilem Dafoe's self-mocking performance.

Not the most original or even amusing of comedies, 'Mr. Bean's Holiday' is nevertheless a light-hearted, Sunday evening style comedy enjoyable and accessible for all ages. Its probably time to call time on this masterclass of simple and old-fashioned comedy on the back of a decent high, if nothing spectacular.